Lt Gen Thomas Oppong-Peprah, Chief of Defence Staff
The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has condemned viral videos on social media in which certain persons are heard calling for attacks on soldiers and other security personnel.
According to GAF, the calls are not only unlawful but also pose a significant threat to the security and stability of our nation.
A statement signed by the Director General, Department of Public Relations, Brigadier General Eric Aggrey-Quashie, condemned the utterances made in the viral video.
“We wish to assure all and sundry that GAF will continue to perform its duties of safeguarding the security of the state and protecting civilians.
“It is also crucial to understand that personnel of GAF and sister security agencies are committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism, discipline, and respect for human rights in the execution of their duties,” a portion of the statement read.
Brigadier General Aggrey-Quashie entreated the public to report any misconduct of soldiers to the nearest police station for appropriate disciplinary action instead of retaliating.
The statement added, “It is important to note, soldiers, like any individual, have the right to self-defense when faced with imminent threats or attacks that pose a danger to their lives or the lives of others.
“In situations where soldiers are confronted with immediate threats or acts of violence, they are allowed to use necessary and proportionate force to protect themselves and others. It must be noted that the outcome of such avoidable confrontations may be unpleasant and dire.”
GAF has, therefore, cautioned the public that assaulting or attacking soldiers is a grave offense punishable by law, thereby imploring citizens to respect, cooperate, and support our soldiers, and to refrain from engaging in acts of violence or incitement against them.
BY Prince Fiifi Yorke